MMA

10:09 AM PT -- Conor just showed up and weighed in at 154.5 ... which means both he and Khabib have made weight.

The fight is now officially set to be a lightweight championship bout!!!!

LET'S GOOOOO!!!

Daniel Cormier was right ...

Khabib Nurmagomedov has weighed in for his championship fight against Conor McGregor at UFC 229 ... and he was a perfect 155 pounds.

Khabib has had issues with weight before -- he bailed out of UFC 209 (against Tony Ferguson) after issues with his weight cut went so poorly, he was hospitalized days before the fight.

He also had weight issues at UFC 160 -- when he was 3.5 pounds over the 155 limit when facing Abel Trujillo. They ultimately fought at a catch weight because Khabib couldn't shed the weight in time.

There are much bigger stakes for Saturday's fight against Conor McGregor -- the lightweight championship is on the line.

Nate Diaz is rooting for Khabib and Conor to BOTH lose at UFC 229 -- saying he already "slapped the sh*t out of both of 'em" ... and neither one deserves to be champ!

That said, Nate also believes Conor is the favorite to win ... because "Khabib is scared for his life."

Diaz says it simply comes down to fight style -- noting Khabib "fights like a scared little bitch" on the ground while Conor will stand up and trade blows like a beast.

"I think Conor has got a way better fight style."

Nate also says Khabib hasn't proven himself against any real quality opponents -- "That fool ain't fought nobody."

Diaz makes it clear he's not rooting for either guy -- he wants a double knockout, so they both lose.

The big question ... would Nate take a 3rd fight against Conor to settle the score once and for all?

"I ain't fighting no trilogy. He already got his ass whipped. He can fight everybody else. I got shit to do too."

Conor McGregor just went off in his UFC 229 press conference -- vowing to destroy Khabib Nurmagomedov ... and claiming he'll be a billionaire by age 35!

Conor showed up almost 30 minutes late to the event in Las Vegas -- blaming crazy traffic. Khabib had left by the time McGregor showed up.

But, Conor didn't disappoint ... screaming about how much he hates Khabib, how great his whiskey tastes and how much money he expects to make.

Dana White had told us McGregor could make a Mayweather check ($100 mil) but Conor says the number will probably be closer to $50 mil.

Conor also accused Khabib's manager of being a terrorist who was pulled off a plane on Sept. 11, 2001 and detained by authorities. We're reaching to Khabib's camp for his side of the story.

Remember, Conor and Khabib HATE each other. When Conor threw that steel dolly at the bus in Brooklyn earlier this year, he was aiming for Khabib.

And, at the last press conference a few weeks ago, Conor called Khabib a "little rat, little weasel" ... "fanboy bitch" ... and "mad backwards c*nt."

Nurmagomedov promised to smash Conor's face in.

They'll finally get a chance to settle the beef once and for all on Saturday at UFC 229.

Who's ready?!

Conor McGregor could be the first 9-FIGURE fighter in UFC history ... judging by the way his fight with Khabib is trending ... so says Dana White.

The UFC honcho tells us ... UFC 229 is trending to get between 2.6 and 3 MILLION pay-per-view buys -- which would make it the 3rd largest PPV event in combat sports history.

The biggest PPV fight ever is Mayweather vs. Pacquaio (4.6 million) followed by Mayweather vs. McGregor (4.3 million).

Conor has famously bragged about pulling a $100 million check for the Mayweather fight -- so we had to ask if he could get a similar check for this fight.

"Of course he can," White told us ... "You start to look at the PPV numbers with Conor McGregor, he's one of the biggest PPV draws of all time."

But, Dana says Conor's bigger play is his whiskey -- telling TMZ Sports he honestly believes Proper No. 12 could turn McGregor into a BILLIONAIRE.

Two ex-UFC champions have signed on to fight each other in a jiu-jitsu event in Vegas ... TMZ Sports has learned.

Frank Mir (former UFC heavyweight champ) will take on Forrest Griffin (former UFC light heavyweight champ) at the Black Belt CBD Invitational on October 20.

Griffin hasn't taken a pro fight since July 2012 -- when he beat up Tito Ortiz at UFC 148.

As for Mir, he fought in April at Bellator 198 -- when he was defeated by Fedor Emelianenko in the Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament.

As for the CBD Invitational, we're told Ana Vieira, Catherine Perret, Bia Masquita and Luiza Moteiro are also fighting on the card.

Event organizers are touting the fight card as the first of its kind to offer the same purse for male and female fighters.

"We’re a woman-founded and woman-led company, born and bred in Las Vegas, and Jiu Jitsu is a huge part of our culture and even my family – my daughter loves to train Jiu Jitsu,” Black Belt CBD CEO and founder Krista Whitley said.

"We specialize in CBD-based performance-training products made for serious athletes of all genders, and when we launched the Black Belt CBD Invitational, it was only natural that we bring this philosophy into the Jiu Jitsu community."

Conor McGregor says he will 100% complete the Nate Diaz trilogy -- saying, "I will give that man that rematch."

Conor and Nate have fought twice -- Nate won the first fight by strangling McGregor. Conor was the rematch in a majority decision. Both fights were phenomenal.

Now that Conor is back in the MMA biz after a 2-year break -- UFC Tonight's Karyn Bryant asked the Notorious who's next on his wish list of big fights.

McGregor said he's interested in scrapping with Anderson Silva -- saying, "It sounds interesting to me." There's clearly a mutual respect there.

But, Conor got most excited when talking about a rubber match with Nate Diaz.

"I've got that trilogy with Diaz. I will give that man that rematch. He gave me a rematch. I will give him a rematch."

What's interesting ... Conor says the 3rd fight will likely take place at 155 pounds -- 15 pounds lighter than they were in the first 2 fights.

However, Conor says he'd be open to fighting at 165 -- and creating a new division in the process, one that Nate has been lobbying for recently.

In fact, Conor says the UFC should start several more weight classes in 10-pound increments to create more champions and make weight cutting safer for the fighters.

Question is ... will Nate take a 3rd fight? Stay tuned ...

Khabib Nurmagomedov will NOT screw over UFC 229 by missing weight -- so says his teammate, Daniel Cormier, who says his Dagestani pal is right on track.

Khabib has had issues with weight before -- he bailed out of UFC 209 (against Tony Ferguson) after issues with his weight cut went so poorly, he was hospitalized days before the fight.

He also had weight issues at UFC 160 -- when he was 3.5 pounds over the 155 limit when facing Abel Trujillo. They ultimately fought at a catch weight because Khabib couldn't shed the weight in time.

There are much bigger stakes for Saturday's fight against Conor McGregor -- the lightweight championship is on the line.

But, Cormier tells TMZ Sports there's nothing to worry about -- "He's looking great. Khabib's ready to go. His weight's looking good."

"Oh yeah, he'll make weight," Cormier added ... "He's like 11 pounds overweight as of [Tuesday]."

Sounds like a lot -- but Cormier insists it's right where Khabib needs to be.

The two will finally clash on October 6 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in what many people are calling the biggest UFC fight of all time!!

Cormier says his friend, Khabib, will need to "fire on all cylinders" to beat Conor, who's mauled just about everyone he's faced in the UFC.

Khabib is no slouch -- "He's 26 and 0," Cormier points out.

Talk about going out with a bang ... Daniel Cormier tells TMZ Sports his fight plan is to finish his UFC career with one final mega-brawl with Jon Jones!!!

The reigning champ champ (he's got both the heavyweight and light heavyweight title) has already set a ticking clock on his UFC career -- promising to retire for good on his 40th birthday, roughly 6 months from now.

First, Cormier says he wants Brock Lesnar in the heavyweight division ... followed by a light heavyweight fight with Jon Jones.

Dana White recently told us he would love to see Jones vs. Cormier III at heavyweight ... but D.C. says he ain't on board with that. He wants the fight at light heavyweight (205 pounds).

"I want to fight Jones at 205, because that's where he beat me," Cormier said ... "He beat me at 205, I want to beat him where he beat me."

In the meantime, D.C. says he'll most likely relinquish his light heavyweight title while he fights Brock at heavyweight ... clearing the way for Jones to fight Alexander Gustafsson for the LHW title.

After that, it's on ... one last battle for the ages.

UFC star Tony Ferguson says he's a new, sober man -- telling TMZ Sports he's cut alcohol out of his life and has "completely turned my life around."

Tony says he made the life changes to expedite his recovery from the devastating knee injury he suffered back in April. Tony says doctors told him recovery could take up to a year ... but he was so focused, he was back in 4 months!!!

Now, Tony is facing Anthony Pettis at UFC 229 this weekend -- and has this message for his opponent, "Kiss my ass!"

As for the other fight on the card -- Conor vs. Khabib match -- Ferguson has some thoughts.

"Battle of the bullsh*ts. We got Tiramisu verse McNuggets. Both lost their sauce, and I got all the sauce."

Ferguson says neither guy's ever wanted smoke with him ... and ain't a damn thing changed.

"As far as Khabib is concerned, sh*t, the dude ducked me. He's been ducking me and so has Conor. Conor never says my name 'cause he's got 1 thing on his mind, loss, when he says my name."

Tony also picked a winner (kinda sorta).

"Double knockout. I see these motherf**kers knocking themselves out."

UFC's Al Iaquinta says he's rooting for Khabib Nurmagomedov to beat the dog snot out of Conor McGregor in the 1st or 2nd round ... because it'll make his fight with Khabib look more impressive!

Remember, Al stepped in and fought Khabib back in April at UFC 223 on a day's notice ... and survived all 5 rounds with the Dagestani superstar.

Despite the loss, Al clearly respects Khabib -- and HATES Conor -- and tells TMZ Sports he's hoping his former opponent smashes Conor like a chump.

"I'm just hoping Khabib goes out there and whoops his ass, makes it look good, finishes him in like the 1st or 2nd round ... and makes me look like a superstar!"

Al says his goal is to get a rematch with Khabib to prove he can hang (and beat) the best fighters in the world.

After obliterating ANOTHER opponent, Greg Hardy -- now 3-0 as a pro MMA fighter -- says he's ready for a major UFC card ... warning the heavyweight division he's a very "dangerous" man.

It only took the ex-NFL star 53 seconds to dispose of Ray Jones at XFN 352 over the weekend in another dominant performance.

Not one of Greg's pro fights has lasted more than 60 seconds.

Remember, Hardy earned a UFC development contract back in June when he crushed Austen Lane on "Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series" ... but the big question -- when will Hardy get his shot to fight on a nationally televised stage?

"I'm hoping the top of next year," Hardy tells TMZ Sports ... while emphasizing that he wants to stay humble and earn his opportunity like every other fighter.

And, while confident, Hardy says he wants to log more Octagon time before squaring up with the top names in the sport ... guys like Stipe Miocic, Daniel Cormier and Derrick Lewis.

"Dangerous names," Hardy says ... "real dangerous names right there."

Hardy knows those fights will come in time -- but for now, he's focused on smashing every opponent who steps in front of him.

The biggest UFC fight of all time might just have the biggest celebrity guest list of all time -- with huge stars slated to be Octagonside when Conor McGregor takes on Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229!

We're told Hollywood titans like Chris Pratt and Mel Gibson will be there alongside business moguls like Robert Kraft and Elon Musk.

Other names expected to be at the October 6 fight ... Rory McIlroy, Matt Damon, Anthony Kiedis, Megan Fox, Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank, Joel Kinnaman and Mark Consuelos.

We also got Mike Tyson out on Monday -- and he told us he'll be at the fight too!

Of course, Mike is tight with UFC honcho Dana White ... and he's become a big MMA fan over the years.

Ex-WWE superstar Alberto Del Rio has announced his plans to return to MMA ... more than 8 YEARS after his last real fight!!

The 41-year-old -- real name Jose Rodriguez -- announced his decision to return to MMA for Combate Americas on Monday ... and he's gunning to get in the cage in 2019.

Del Rio's last MMA fight was a Cage of Combat event back on Feb. 27, 2010 ... when he lost to Yamamoto Hanshi in a 2nd round TKO.

“I’m going to jump back in the cage -- or in the cage for the first time -- because I used to fight in rings in Mexico and in Asia, but never inside the cage,” Del Rio told The MMA Hour.

“So for 2019, I’m going to be doing that. I’m going to be fighting in the cage for Combate Americas, mi familia, mi casa, and I’m not just saying this because my boss is here and he writes my checks."

Del Rio says he expects to fight a big-name MMA star and draw a huge pay-per-view ... but says his opponent has not been made official yet.

Nate Diaz says he will 100% be at Madison Square Garden to fight at UFC 230 on Nov. 3 -- but if Dustin Poirier won't fight at 165 pounds, he wants a new opponent.

"Anybody who wants it at 165, we can do that," Diaz tells TMZ Sports.

Here's the issue ... Diaz is already booked to fight Poirier at 155 pounds. And, as Dana White pointed out last week, they signed the contract and everything.

But, Diaz believes he's a true 165-pound fighter -- and wants to start a 165-pound division so he and Dustin can fight in the main event that night for a brand new 165-pound belt.

And, if UFC and Poirier can't find a way to make it happen, Nate says -- "All comers bring it the f*ck on!"

Nate also had some strong words for Tyron Woodley -- saying The Chosen One better watch his mouth with all the trash talk or he'll get slapped upside his head ... whether it's in the Octagon or in the street.

Stay tuned ...

Daniel Cormier might get a 3rd crack at Jon Jones -- so says Dana White, who tells TMZ Sports he's trying to make it happen!

Of course, D.C. and J.J. hate each other's guts -- White says "the hatred is real" -- and now that Jones is being reinstated, a lot of people would looove to see a 3rd fight between the two.

"I would like to see it, I think the fans would like to see it," White says.

"What would be interesting is ... we might see it at heavyweight!"

Cormier has previously said he wants a piece of Brock Lesnar -- so, the big question is ... when would the Jones fight happen?

"I'm gonna do whatever D.C. wants to do," White says.

"Daniel Cormier has been an incredible champion for us. He's an incredible human being. He's a stud and I'm gonna do everything in my power to keep that man happy."

If Conor McGregor or Khabib Nurmagomedov throw a steel dolly, miss weight or get hurt before UFC 229 ... Brian Ortega says he's 100% down to step in and kick some ass.

With only a week left until the biggest fight of the year, TMZ Sports asked Ortega -- should disaster strike and Conor or Khabib be unable to fight -- would he be game to scrap and save the card.

"I always stay ready ... These are the kinda fights that I'll step in on last minute to save the card," Ortega told us ... "Not no other fights like the last situation we had, where they wanted me to fight that clown."

"These are the fights that are worth saving."

The "clown" (Brian's words, not ours) is Jeremy Stephens ... who wanted to step in and fight Ortega after Max Holloway was forced out of UFC 226 in July.

Assuming UFC 229 goes off as planned ... T-City updated us on the status of his championship fight with Holloway ... and yes, he also explained why he's chillin' with freakin' farm animals.